Oppressive governance or harsh rules are more terrifying and destructive than a fierce tiger, emphasizing that severe human-made suffering can be worse than natural disasters.
Era:
Ancient
Frequency:
Synonym:
Story:
During the Spring and Autumn Period, Confucius and his disciples were passing by Mount Tai when they saw a woman weeping bitterly by a grave.
Upon inquiring, they learned that her husband and son had both been devoured by a tiger. She explained that she had fled to this place from elsewhere because, despite the danger of tigers, there were no harsh taxes or oppressive rule here.
The woman expressed that she would rather face the threat of tigers than endure the tyranny found elsewhere.
Confucius sighed and said to his students, 'You see, oppressive governance is indeed more terrifying than a fierce tiger.'